1. 8.0-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for photo-quality 16x 22-inch prints
2. 3x wide-angle optical zoom; Mega Optical Image Stabilized
3. 2.5-inch LCD screen; Face Detection
4. Intelligent ISO; Intelligent Scene Selector
5. 50 MB built-in memory; captures images to SD memory cards (not included)

Editorial Review :

Simply set the 8.1-megapixel DMC-FS3 to iA mode and let the four Intelligent Auto functions team up to help prevent shooting errors. Intelligent Scene Selector chooses the mode that best fits the situation; MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) helps prevent blurring from hand-shake; Intelligent ISO Control helps prevent motion blur; and Face Detection helps produce clear portraits by optimizing the focus and exposure settings. The 33mm Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens with 3x optical zoom takes wider shots than an ordinary 35mm lens. This is helpful in small rooms or crowded places, for example, letting you fit more people into a group photo. There's also an Easy Zoom button on the camera top - just press it, and the optical zoom and Extra Optical Zoom instantly extend to full telescopic position. This quick zooming lets you catch even fleeting opportunities. The brightness and contrast of the large 2.5" diagonal LCD adjust automatically in 10 steps as ambient light conditions change, so images are clear, bright and easy to see day or night, indoors or outdoors. f=5.5-16.5mm (35mm Equiv. - 33-100mm) Focal Length 2.5 Diagonal Polycrystalline TFT LCD Display (230K dots) Focusing Area Normal - 50cm - infinity, Macro / Intelligent AUTO - Wide 5cm / Tele 30cm - infinity 8 - 1/2,000 sec. Starry Sky Mode - 15, 30, 60sec. Shutter Speed Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 (High Sensitivity Mode - Auto(1600 - 6400) ) ISO 27MB Internal Memory (additional memory recommended to store more photos and video) Built-in Microphone and Speaker SD/SDHC, MultiMedia Card Slot Built-in Flash with Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced Off modes DC Input, AV Output (NTSC/PAL), USB Connections PictBridge Compatible Approximate Battery Life - 320 pictures (CIPA Standard) Approximate Unit Weight - 0.319 lbs

Customer Review :

Love it great pictures in mixed lighting.

As a marketing Rep I take pictures of store displays. This takes fantastic pictures in all lighting and does especially well where the display has a LCD panel in low level sighting, The panel looks great and so does the rest of the display. I am amazed the picture looks good with a flash shot.

Rating :

Very nice piece of hardware

I have actually purchased two of these cameras, the second after the first one was destroyed in an accident...

I find it to be one of the best point and shoot cameras on the market, and if you know how to aim a camera decently, you can get some really amazing professional quality photos with this camera. It is an older camera, and I've played with some of the newer versions of the Panasonic Lumix and they have yet to disappoint me. The only downside that I notice is that the file size for the photos, no matter how much you adjust settings, is always the same and always fairly big (about 2MB a photo). Not a problem if you have 4 or 8 gb memory card, but definitely annoying when you compile all your pictures over time in a single location.

Anyway, nice camera, works well, not the best, but definitely in the top category of standard digital cameras..

Rating :

Really good with a couple of hitches.

I've had the Lumix DMC-FS3 for a few weeks, and I'm quite satisfied with it overall. However there are definitely some things to consider before buying one for yourself. Here is my list of pros and cons...

PROS:
-Starts up really quickly.
-Short recovery time after photo is taken.
-Great macro shots.
-The 'underwater' setting is great for taking the blue hue out of pictures taken at dusk.

CONS:
-(Super annoying!) Lens will fail to extend if you even slightly touch it when turning it on. The lens extends about 1-2 cm, then goes back in. Quite a pain to get it to extend and work normally again once this happens. I grab the lens and pull it all the way out; doing that while pressing the shutter button has worked for me every time so far. I sure hope it doesn't make the lens crap out in a year!
-(Also annoying) Takes great shots except in high-contrast situations, then it's a disaster. Photos of sunny mountains with shady foregrounds are absolutely horrible. Either the sunny part is totally washed out and the shady part is normal, or the sunny subject is normal and the shady foreground is blacked out. The 'beach' setting does nothing to fix this. Messing with the white balance or exposure may do something, but don't hold your breath.
-Uses batteries a little fast for my taste. I only got about 5 hours out of a full battery charge. Definitely buy 1 or 2 extra batteries, especially if you'll be using it for multi-day trips (then buy 3+).


Rating :

Casual User Review

My needs were: Camera for class, family events, weddings, and posting on eBay. Nothing fancy but I want pictures to give as gifts so I need good quality. I dropped my original in the water during a grad class and needed a quick replacement for photographing plants and flowers. Quick? I got it THE NEXT DAY. Brooklyn to CT. So I bought this even though it was green. Which, after going to a wedding where I could pick my camera out from all of the silver cameras on the table I truly appreciate.

Short review: buy it! Cheap, small, good sharp images. Movement is trickier but you just have to change settings. Long battery life, true to the manufacturers statement - 300+ pics per charge. Read the manual (yes, nerds do not like to do this) but it was painless and I learned about some cool features.

Longer: Like every other electronics nerd I researched cameras before I bought this and it kept popping up everywhere as top rated. Like a B or B+. The biggest thing I learned about higher megapixels (10MP+) is that for cameras built with older technology the processors can't handle the memory and the images are fuzzy. Even if the megapixels are 13 for example you may get unfocused pictures. So that is why I got this - under 10MP you are "safe". My pictures are sharp at 5 X 7 which is all I need. The Leica lens has a great reputation for clarity and I think that is why this is a front runner. I am not going to repeat what others have said but here are some things that I love:

- Small, fits in a pocket and the small zipper camera bags you can but at Target. It is even smaller than my PDA but has a big display.
- Even the battery charger is small so you can bring it with you.
- You can lock pictures, so my niece and nephew can't delete them.
- Can display pictures in a grid so it is easier to delete using it.
- Controls are intuitive even without reading the manual.
- Stabilizer does a good job.
- Without the flash still can take room light pictures (still only).

Some dislikes: The red eye doesn't eradicate all of the redness sometimes, and the flash recovery isn't as fast as my other camera.

So for an everyday camera it is perfect!

Rating :

Great digital camera

I've had this camera for 2 years now, the battery still strong, easily take more than 200 pictures with one charge. The Picture quality is really nice when you know how to use it, the intelligent mode is good, but not best fit for all conditions. Super easy to use, great results. Very pleased with this fella. Here's to a couple more years

Rating :

More reviews...

1. Slim & compact 10x optical zoom (equivalent to 35mm to 350mm lens on 35mm film camera) with optical image satbilization
2. World's first "high-angle" LCD mode from 2.5" LCD screen with power boost button for 40% brighter display.
3. Venu Engine III allows satrt up time to just 0.5 seconds with a release time lag as low as 0.006 seconds.
4. Leica DC Vario-element lens with a unique prism lens allows horizontal zooming within camera in such a small body.
5. Crisp clear shots of moving subjects with ISO 800 setting/high sensitivity mode

Editorial Review :

A Slim 10x Optical Zoom Using a Unique Prism - LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT LENS - The world's first integration of retractive lens with folded optics technology allows the zooming to occur horizontally within the camera. This makes it possible to pack a powerful 10x optical zoom (equivalent to a big 35 to 350mm lens on a 35mm camera) into a compact camera. The Extended Optical Zoom function, which magnifies the image with minimal deterioration by using the center part of the high-resolution CCD, boosts the zoom power to a maximum 12.5x. All of us have taken a shot that we thought was focused perfectly, only to have it turn out blurry. The most common cause of this is hand movement. Digital cameras are wonderfully light and compact -- but for the same reason they can also be hard to hold still. Even pressing the shutter button can cause the camera to move. And most people use the LCD monitor (with arms outstretched)to frame a shot -- great for getting the shot you want, but most likely adds to the likelihood of hand movement. Basically, hand movement is a real concern anytime you're taking a handheld telephoto shot, macro shot or self-portrait, or when shooting at night or in dim lighting. The answer to the hand movement problem? An advanced optical image stabilizing system that we call MEGA Optical Image Stabilization. This system uses built-in gyrosensors to detect even tiny camera movement and then shifts a lens in the opposite direction to compensate. The system is completely optical -- it does not affect the CCD or image processing -- so you get sharp, clear images with minimal degradation. It lets you reduce the shutter speed more than 3 steps below the conventionally accepted hand movement limit, which is calculated as 1/focal length (1 divided by the focal length). It greatly expands what you can do with a handheld digital camera.

Customer Review :

An excellent value in digital cameras

I bought a TZ1S in 2007 and used it for three years. For no obviouos reason it quit working. So I replaced it with a $68 used version. My local camera repairman doesn't think much of these cameras, but I've made excellent photographs with them.

Rating :

Fits prefectly into a needed niche

I bought my 1st TZ1 2 years ago, and have made sure I have at least 1 near me at all times.
I have bought, used, gifted and had stolen 6 of these cameras to date.

This camera filled a void in my camera world perfectly, as I have 2 Canon G-Series for anticipated shooting, and had a few smaller digitals that I would use for everyday work/misc pictures. This camera has been great.

Pros:
When I received my first TZ1, the first thing I did was extend the full zoom and shoot some stabilized pics. They were great and I was amazed. Zoom blur was gone even at 10x!!

Then I shot a stablized video, and while its was not perfect, it was better than my non-stabilized 12x video camera!! Unlike other "picture" camras, you can use the zoom while you are taking a video, and the was a compact camera 1/4 the size!! Out went my video camera.

This camera will fit into my pocket when on a work site, and take every picture I need. I use it almost daily.

Colors are good and saturation is above what I expected from a compact super-zoom.

I was able to buy an underwater case from Panasonic reasonably for this camera as well. It works perfectly, and due to the cameras small initial size, even with the case it is not too big to haul around the Ocean. The underwater pics it took are excellent, and the flash works pretty well too!! A great bonus!!

This is a very very versatile picture and video camera.

Cons:

The battery life is only fair, and the small S007 batteries seem to fail totally in too short of a period of time.
Replacements of both Lumix brand and aftermarkets have been no better. There is a limited expectation for such a small camera/mega-zoom/battery combo, but this should be better.

Flash effectiveness and dependability has been spotty, especially with the last 2 cameras. While I did not expect an amazing flash, the overall flash results are a bit weak. The first 2 I owned flashed well and about as expected, however lately I have had a couple of flash-sync issues that are bothersome. Could be the used/refurb purchases.

Summary:

I rated the camera 5 stars because its issues do not outweigh its advantages at all. There is no perfect camera or woman out there, or everyone would own or want only that one.

This camera fills my compact camera need wonderfully, and even gets used as our primary video camera.
I was a little sad when the newer models went to a wider angle 10x and gave up light efficiency (f2.8 to f3.3) for it. I prefer this f2.8 lens much better, with clearer low light pictures indoor.
This would be a perfect entry camera for a novice, or a student, or a grandparent.
I am glad to see other Mfg's following Panasonics lead in this arena. This is a wonderful little camera.







Rating :

Years Later, Still Works Well

I bought this camera a few years back, back when it was still being produced. Through heavy research I decided it looked like the one for me, and haven't ever, not to this day after thousands of pictures, been disappointed much by it. Still viable as a point-and-shoot for day-to-day applications; it takes pictures that look quite good on a computer screen, even as a desktop on a modern monitor, though that is near its resolution limit and noise becomes visible but not prevalent. I don't print my pictures so I cannot tell how they come out.

Though 5 megapixels never looked outstanding, it's plenty for almost all applications, and with the lower resolution it can store upwards of 700 pictures on a 2 GB memory card. The screen is good-sized and adequately bright even for direct sunshine, and it looks good too. Menus are simple and fairly intuitive as are most controls. Burst mode seems to work well enough, and the self-timer takes three shots rapid-fire, so at least one will turn out well. The Starry Sky mode is useful for its intended purpose but also works much better for night time landscapes than the Night Landscape mode which tops out at 8-sec. exposure; Starry Sky can be set to a 15-, 30-, or 60-second exposure. Video can only be recorded in VGA or the smaller QVGA sizes, but at 30 fps it looks good given its size. Battery life is pretty good and the battery holds out well over the years.

On the down side, it's got flaws. Macro mode can't seem to focus very close at all, though that could be due to my camera's age. Though manual settings exist, they are very limited and do not include a manual focus. Also, the low light performance isn't impressive, and the flash has a short range inside of which everything is washed out and outside of which everything is dark. Though 10x zoom is nice, it is useless for distant scenery, but that's the result of haze and I see no way that could be avoided. The image stabilization may be inferior to most modern cameras but works well for my purposes. If your lens cap isn't tethered, it's easy to lose and expensive to replace.

All and all, it's a good camera that has served me well over the years and still shows little sign of wear. Though I have been looking at replacing it, I haven't yet, and likely won't for a while yet, and even when I do it will be because of the newer features and my increasing demand for a very high quality shot, but to be honest, I will have to spend quite a lot to get a device capable of producing a better picture than this one. So, If you buy it, you will like it, and it will serve you well for years to come. Just don't lose the lens cap!

Rating :

Amazing camera!

This camera is capable of such amazing quality photos! For a camera that only has 5megapixals (?), the photos come out with such clarity and accurate color and shadows. I can take professional quality pictures that are sometimes up to par with my friends' $1000 professional cameras! My mom is an artist and bought this camera to take pictures of her artwork and art subjects because it takes "true color" photographs, meaning the color that comes out in the pictures was the actual color she saw with her own eyes. Many other cameras at similar price wash out the color a lot or make the picture look very grainy. I love this camera!!

Rating :

Easy

Have had this camera for several years and have not had any problems. I definately enjoy having it and would definately buy again. It has lasted through things I thought would definately destroy electronics.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 12.7 Total Megapixels with Primary Color Filter for brilliant colors
2. Optical Zoom 4x - Focal Length f=5.5-22.0mm (31-124mm in 35mm equiv.) / 4x Digital Zoom enhancer
3. Optical Image Stabilizer MEGA O.I.S. (Auto / Mode1 / Mode2)
4. AF Metering Face / Multi (9pt) / 1pt
5. Shutter Speed 8-1/2000 sec, Starry Sky Mode - 15, 30, 60sec.

Editorial Review :

Panasonic Lumix is for you.

Capture the beauty of everyday moments with the Panasonic Lumix FS12 12.1 Megapixel Digital Camera. Enclosed in a compact and sleek black casing, which is durable and reliable. It features a spacious 2.7" TFT LCD Display to capture and review amazing photos. Not only does it feature 50MB built-in memory, but also expansion capabilities with an SD and SDHC memory card slot.

The Panasonic DMC-FS12K is an intelligent camera with Intelligent Auto modes that help make capturing great photos really simple. It can even shoot movies at up to 640x480 VGA resolution. 12 Megapixels translates to 4,000x3000 pixel resolution for stills. That's pretty amazing! Want great pictures (and movies) from a fine compact camera? You'll love using this Lumix camera.

Features:

Intelligent Scene SelectorPhoto (Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Macro) - Choose the scene and camera determines best setting for excellent results Digital Red Eye Correction File Format Still Image - JPEG (DCF / Exif2.21); Motion picture - QuickTime Motion JPEG Select mode for best results - Still Picture Scene Mode Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Food, Party, Candle Light, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High sensitivity, Hi-Speed Burst, Flash Burst, Starry Sky, Fireworks, Beach, Snow, Aerial photo, Film Grain, Photo Frame ISO Sensitivity Auto / 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 + High Sensitivity (ISO 1600-6400) Aspect Ratio 4 - 3 / 3 - 2 / 16 - 9 (16 - 9 will fill your widescreen TV) White Balance Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / White Set (Selectable at Portrait, Soft Skin, Transform, Self-Portrait, Sports, Baby, Pet, High Sensitivity, High Speed Burst, Photo Frame mode) PictBridge Support Single / Multi / All / Favorites / DPOF LCD Monitor 2.7 TFT Screen LCD Display (230K dots), Field of

Customer Review :

Absolutely Wonderfull

I must say after under estimating the size of this panasonic camera i was very impress overal with its perfomance in a holestic explanation the picture quality is fantastic the optical zoom create no distortion what so ever it easy to operate its menu are really user friendly and its also save image to the card very fast that was one of my major concern but it turned out to be very quick in that area overall i am extremly satify and would recommend to any one who wants professional pictures from a point and shot camera.

Rating :

1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 12.1 MP HD Digital Camera (Silver) Brand New USA w/Supplied Manufacturer Accessories
2. 16GB SDHC Secure Digital Memory Card + USB Card Reader
3. Mini HDMI to Standard HDMI 6 Foot Cable
4. Padded Carrying Case w/Strap + Memory Card Wallet
5. Flexible Mini Table Top Tripod + Pack of LCD Screen Protectors + Lens/LCD Cleaning Kit

Editorial Review :

This Kit Includes:
1- Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 12.1 MP HD Digital Camera (Silver) Brand New USA w/Supplied Manufacturer Accessories
1- 16GB SDHC Secure Digital Memory Card (Dont Miss a Memory!)
1- USB SD Memory Card Reader (Download Images Quicker!)
1- Mini HDMI to Standard HDMI 6 Foot Cable (Enhance Your HD Experience!)
1- Padded Carrying Case w/Strap (Protect Your Investment!)
1- Memory Card Wallet (Stay Organized!)
1- Pack of LCD Screen Protectors (Protect from Dust & Scratches!)
1- Lens/LCD Cleaning Kit
1- Mini Table Top Tripod
More about this camera:
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 delivers AVCHD Lite HD movie recording capability, 25mm ultra wide-angle and powerful 12x optical zoom lens in a compact body to cover virtually any shooting situations. This 12.1-megapixel powerhouse performer ZS7 further advanced to comprehend attractive features including the Intelligent Resolution technology as well as the built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) unit and manual exposure. An abundance of functions for both photo and movie recording are organized in the well-considered operational command including an independent movie recording button achieving smooth, easy operation in both recording modes.

Supplied Manufacturer Accessories in addition to mentioned above:
Lithium-ion Battery, Battery Charger, Wrist Strap, USB Cable, A/V Cable, Software CD-ROM, 1 Year USA Warranty.

Customer Review :

good cam

Read the other reviews. I did. Good buy. Camera rocks. Xtras are good too.

Rating :

1. 16 - 9 wide high-definition motion images (1280x720 pixels at 15 fps) - We recommend purchasing a 4GB SD Memory Card for video usage
2. Enhanced High-Sensitivity mode up to ISO 6400 with flash from up to 16m away
3. Category Playback sorts images into categories such as portraits, landscapes, nightscapes and events
4. Quick settings without taking your eyes off the subject

Editorial Review :

12.2MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver). The Lumix DMC-FX100K has an advanced 28mm wide-angle 3.6 optical zoom Leica DC lens system featuring four aspherical lenses. It includes an EA lens with five aspherical surfaces. A large 1/1.72-inch CCD with an effective 12.1 Megapixels is the highest resolution in its class. The Lumix DMC-FX100K also features an Extended Optical Zoom which extends zooming up to 7.0x with a simple press of the Easy Zoom button. Intelligent ISO Control makes it easier to take clear crisp shots even if your subject moves. This innovative feature detects any movement and automatically raises both the ISO setting and the shutter speed accordingly preventing motion blur. Hand-shake is not a problem with the Lumix DMC-FX100. MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) automatically compensates for hand-shake. Mega Burst Shooting lets you take consecutive shots at a swift two shots per second. The High-Speed Burst Mode goes a step further letting you snap off consecutive shots eight shots per second. This makes it easier to catch the perfect action shot of a fast-moving subject.

Customer Review :

Great pictures

Great pictures , the camera does take some study. I recommend you get extra memory , the built-in isn't enough . The on & off button does seem a little cheap.

Rating :

great camera, but needs viewfinder.

I've been very happy with the camera with one exception. The camera has no viewfinder making it very difficult to frame shots under bright conditions.
If I had realized there was no viewfinder, I would not have purchased this camera.

If you don't mind not having a viewfinder, the camera is top notch.


Rating :

A Beginner's View: more to it than expected

This is a beautifully built precision instrument, loaded with features and offering a range of controls. It requires more study and practice than I anticipated, and isn't merely point-and-click even in its simplest mode. Its default sensitivity to light is for a smaller range than I was used to with my previous digital camera. So far, indoor photos fade into dark when they should have more of an illuminated background. Back-lighting also has been difficult to compensate for, although the features to do so are allegedly built in. As simple as it looks to operate, this camera does require hours of getting used to, in order to take advantage of all the features, and to get the results you want and should be able to expect. This camera is for the devoted, experimental photographer, or someone who likes to master complexities. A Lumix is not for a lummox...

Rating :

Great little camera

This is a great little camera. It has so many features for it's size, love the photos it takes and the 22 minute very clear videos also. I put a 4 gig card in mine and I can take 689 photos at a full 12 meg. Every one says that you need a spare battery, that's just a sales pitch, I can take over 300 photos with one charge. If you take a lot of photos a spare would be nice, Amazon offers the spare battery with a Case for only $25. Great bargin and deal at that price. I just ordered mine. Get this camera, you won't regret it.

Rating :

Very good little camera

I am very pleased with this camera. Compact, powerful, large LCD, intuitive interface. Images are very clear... my only criticism is that the on/off button occasionally gets turned on by accident.

Rating :